plus 4, Spartan Chassis to debut new class of platforms - Lansing State Journal |
- Spartan Chassis to debut new class of platforms - Lansing State Journal
- 2009 Mr. DIRTcar 358-Modified Championship Series Point Profiles - Who Won
- SPECIAL REPORT: RV industry hoping "green" helps turn things around - 22 WSBT
- AAA Offers Top Picks for Automotive Gifts This Holiday Season - TMCnet
- Convention calendar - Orlando Sentinel
| Spartan Chassis to debut new class of platforms - Lansing State Journal Posted: 04 Dec 2009 01:16 PM PST LOUISVILLE, Ky. - A new class of RV - a specialty chassis integrated with a custom cap or cockpit - debuted recently at the 47th Annual National RV Trade Show in Louisville, Ky. Spartan Chassis, Inc., a subsidiary of Spartan Motors, Inc. (NASDAQ: SPAR) , is set to debut the company's latest innovation, the Next Generation Platform (NGP), a new class in RV platforms (Booth # 2024 - East Hall). Spartan has filed a patent for the first-of-its-kind highline RV cap and chassis design which provides the quality and performance of a premium automotive platform with increased flexibility for fully customizable interiors and exteriors. Spartan said optional Coach-Ready Platforms are also available featuring a variety of OEM options for chassis integration. The development of the NGP was based on research conducted by Spartan which provided insights into the RV buying process. The research confirmed that the exterior of a vehicle excites the potential buyer and draws them inside the unit, but it is the features of the interior floor plan that typically closes the sale. In addition, the primary decision maker for the purchase is the female - like with many premium consumer products - and, not surprisingly, her main focus is on interior styling and features. The NGP integrates more components into the chassis configuration with an emphasis on functions that are critical to operating the vehicle but that are unimportant to the buyer. This reduces chassis-prep and engineering for RV OEMs and allows them to concentrate on customer-facing priorities such as the exterior design and interior floor plan. By offering OEMs the ability to choose from an extensive menu of available options for the front, middle and rear sections, motorhome makers have the freedom to design a vehicle to their exact specifications, yet still achieve faster model changeovers and increased speed to market for new designs and product features. "Like every other consumer category, the RV marketplace is constantly evolving as customers look for the latest body styles and new approaches to interior layouts, making it more important than ever to adapt quickly as styles, trends and desires change," said Tom Gorman, Chief Operating Officer of Spartan Motors. This content has passed through fivefilters.org.  This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| 2009 Mr. DIRTcar 358-Modified Championship Series Point Profiles - Who Won Posted: 04 Dec 2009 09:27 AM PST Friday, December 4, 2009 2009 Mr. DIRTcar 358-Modified Championship Series Point Profiles by Tom Skibinski WEEDSPORT, N.Y. -- The concept that consistency wins championships was reinforced once more by 2009 overall Hoosier Tire-VP Racing Fuels Mr. DIRTcar 358-Modified Champion Dale Planck as he surfaced as the fourth straight driver to finish up without a tour win. Placing 14th last year on the 358-Mod champ trail, Planck's previous best finishes were 3rd in 2005 & 4th in '03, the same year he scored two series wins. In his 10 tour starts this year, the 'Natural' registered eight top-10 feature finishes, also posting a series-high half-dozen front-5s behind the wheel of owner Carey Terrance's RezX Racing no. 77x Grow It Hydroseeding/TEO entry. And despite going winless in '09, the second-generation standout from Cortland, N.Y. remains listed among DIRTcar Northeast's all-time Top-20 358-Modified feature winners with 49 checkered flags ---including 4 in the Mr. DIRTcar Small-Block series--- with 4 track point titles earned over the past 10 years. This content has passed through fivefilters.org.  This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| SPECIAL REPORT: RV industry hoping "green" helps turn things around - 22 WSBT Posted: 04 Dec 2009 10:17 AM PST LOUISVILLE, KY — Innovation. Experts say it's the big key to a turnaround for the hard-hit RV industry. This year, many of those production shifts revolve around one word: "green." It's more than just improving gas mileage. From fuel economy to fuel cells, solar panels to wind power, green technology is driving the RV industry. Brian Brawdy is a nationally recognized conservationist who actually prefers the term "eco-nut." One look at his home office shows why. "I hear people all the time talk about home offices. I have a home that's towed by my office," he said, referring to his RV. It's equipped with solar panels, satellite dishes and wind turbines. There's even a basin to catch rain water for drinking, all with one goal in mind: "To be able to survive off the energy of the sun and the wind." Brawdy admits not everything in his RV is practical for the typical traveler. "I don't know if everything as a package is practical. I'm a little Type A, (but) bits and pieces. 25 percent of the RVs manufactured now have solar panels," he said. That number is increasing every day, but there are also plenty of green ideas taking hold that people can't see. Manufacturers are using lighter weight composite materials. New pressure sensitive, flexible fabric weighs just a few ounces, but holds up like steel. Dow Automotive contractor Mark Formentini says that helps cut down on fuel consumption. New lines of Class A and C motor homes are already using the technology. "It makes them as much as 2,500 pounds lighter," said Ron Fenech, Keystone RV president and CEO. It's also helping them get upwards of 20 miles to the gallon. Some Class D motor homes now run on bio-diesel, and almost all are using lighter weight materials inside the cabin, on everything from cabinets to flooring. "If you take the weight out, you keep the price down," said Bob Tiffin, president of Tiffin Motor Homes. In addition to helping the environment, it's also attracting a new group of potential buyers. "I think more and more companies are going, 'OK, great! What can we do, holistically, to help the planet?' But what can we do to help the RV community as well and cut back on some fuel costs?" Brawdy said. The question now is how to pay for it. The answer will likely determine the RV industry's short-term fate. If credit becomes more readily available, inventory will likely continue to move off dealer lots. If frozen credit lines don't thaw, it could be a while before these green innovations actually hit the road. Watch WSBT Friday at 6pm and 11pm to see Troy Kehoe's continuing series "Inside the Industry." This content has passed through fivefilters.org. |
| AAA Offers Top Picks for Automotive Gifts This Holiday Season - TMCnet Posted: 04 Dec 2009 08:36 AM PST
ORLANDO, Fla., Dec 04, 2009 /PRNewswire-USNewswire via COMTEX/ -- To assist holiday shoppers looking for the perfect gift this season, AAA releases its top picks for automotive-related gifts. With nearly a quarter of a billion vehicles on the road in the U.S., a gift for the car is something just about everyone can use. "Automotive gifts do not have to be limited to the gear head in your life. AAA's picks include items for those who like to tinker under the hood or simply enjoy the ride as a passenger," said John Nielsen, director of AAA Approved Auto Repair and Buying Network. AAA's top picks for automotive-related gifts this holiday season include: MagnoGrip Wristbands ($16) -- For the person who is always tinkering with their vehicle, a magnetic wristband can make it easier to hold onto small bolts, fasteners and other pieces that can frequently get misplaced under the hood. The polyester wristband is embedded with a super strong magnet to hold metal parts in place until they are needed. Magellan Roadmate GPS ($199) -- Just about any motorists will enjoy a Magellan Roadmate GPS navigation unit as a holiday gift. The latest model--the Magellan Roadmate 1445T--includes a 4.3-inch color touch screen and exclusive AAA TourBook information with ratings and descriptions on AAA approved places to stay, play, dine and save as well as AAA Approved Auto Repair locations. A highway lane assist function points users to the right exit, and Traffic Link provides subscription-free, live traffic updates. AAA members receive discounts and other benefits from Magellan on several units. Visit AAA.com/GPS for details. Digital Tire Gauge ($10-$30) -- Less than one in 10 vehicles has four properly inflated tires, making a digital tire gauge a gift any motorists can use. Improperly inflated tires wear out more quickly and can cause handling and braking problems that make vehicle operation less safe. AAA recommends motorists check the pressure in their tires at least once a month and inflate tires to the pressure levels posted on the driver's door jamb--not on the tire sidewall. A digital tire gauge makes it easier to read the pressure level in a tire. A variety of models are available. Look for one with a backlit display for easier reading in low light conditions. USB Car Charger ($14-$25) -- Many gadgets these days come with USB charging cables, such as iPods and smart phones. Rather than purchasing a separate 12-volt adapter for each gadget, a USB car charger converts a vehicle's 12-volt outlet into a USB charging outlet. With the growing number of gadgets using USB chargers, it's smart to look for an adapter that provides more than one USB outlet. Cordless LED Work Light ($26-$60) -- A cordless LED work light can be a great addition to the garage and/or a vehicle's emergency kit. Look for one that's shatterproof, waterproof and comes equipped with a hook or stand to allow use of both hands while working on the car. A rechargeable unit will help save on replacement batteries, but make sure it comes with both a wall charger and 12-volt car charger--especially if planning to keep it in a vehicle. AAA Battery Tender ($29-$59) -- The AAA Battery Tender is a great gift for anyone who has a vehicle they do not use on a full-time basis, such as a collectable vehicle, seasonal car, golf cart, ATV, RV or motorcycle. By keeping the battery charged when not in use, a Battery Tender extends battery life and ensures the vehicle will be ready to start the next time it is driven. Two units are available; the AAA Battery Tender Junior will maintain a battery's charge, while the AAA Battery Tender Plus can also recharge a wide variety of lead-acid vehicle batteries. AAA members receive a discount on Battery Tender units purchased through select AAA clubs. Heated 12V Blanket ($21-$35) -- Many drivers and passengers battle over the car's climate control settings during road trips. While dual climate control has resolved this issue for some, for those whose vehicles do not include that feature, a heated 12-volt blanket might be a good gift. Several styles and colors are available. Look for one with a long cord to provide access for backseat passengers, and a safety timer with automatic shut-off. Remote Start System ($80-$600) -- For those living in cold-weather environments, a remote start system can be a gift they will thank you for every cold morning. Systems vary greatly in features and pricing. Some features to look for include a visual confirmation that the remote start is engaged, such as flashing the headlights; a pin switch on the hood to prevent the vehicle from starting when the hood is up; transmission monitoring to ensure the vehicle is in park before it will start; the ability to manually shut down the engine via the remote transmitter; and a coolant temperature or oil pressure sensor to automatically shut down the engine if it starts to overheat or loses oil pressure. Also, make sure the system is compatible with any vehicle immobilizer system, which may require a key with an imbedded microchip to start the car. To ensure safe and proper operation, it's best to have a remote start system installed by a reputable auto repair facility. AAA Membership ($38-$80) -- The gift of a AAA membership provides peace of mind that comes from knowing the nation's oldest and largest motor club will come to the rescue in a time of need. AAA membership also provides the recipient with year-round discounts on a wide variety of products and services at retail stores, auto repair facilities, hotels, restaurants, attractions, prescriptions and much more. For information on memberships, visit AAA.com. As North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 51 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. AAA clubs can be visited on the Internet at AAA.com. (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080226/DC15031LOGO) Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link. Christie Hyde https://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=64864 AAA news releases, high-resolution images, broadcast-quality video, fact sheets and podcasts are available on the AAA NewsRoom at AAA.com/news.
Stay connected with AAA on the web via:
Twitter.com/AAAnews
Twitter.com/AAAauto
YouTube.com/AAA
MySpace.com/AAAeveryday
Facebook.com/AAAfanpage
SOURCE AAA
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| Convention calendar - Orlando Sentinel Posted: 04 Dec 2009 03:14 AM PST |
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